Dominic snorts. “That’s the least of our worries. Looks to me like we’ve drawn the attention of the Moirai.” His lips press into a thin line and he flicks his wrists, raising his palms to the sky.
“We can’t put the plan on hold,” I say, shaking my head. “If anything, it’s more important than ever to get this finished now.”
“But—” Wade begins.
I cut him off with a swipe of my hand. “If we don’t, we could risk my dad being trapped forever. Especially if the Moirai are sending me warnings now.”
“But if we don’t have Colton to keep you safe, how do you propose we go forward?” he asks with panic creeping across his features.
I bite my lip, thinking. “Wade, I hate to ask you this, but what about your dad? If we call him specifically, would he be willing to take my dad’s soul without the interment?”
“It won’t work,” Diana says, turning her blue eyes on me. “Remember, it’s the Flame of Eternity that separates him from the ties of this world and cleanses it. The Angel of Death won’t want a partial soul.”
I walk away from the group, raking my hands through my hair. “Dammit.”
Without Colton’s protection, how do finish what we started and still keep everyone safe in the process?
Chapter 28
Death Wish
If Colton is down for the count, no one can rely on his gifts to protect us from the Lemure’s destructive power. But I can’t let that be the end of it. We’ve come too far to stop now. There has to be a way to make this work.
My dad’s remains are already on their way to the catacombs, and if the Moirai don’t want that to happen, who knows what they’d be willing to do? We have to make sure he gets laid to rest. Tonight.
“What if we sent in Cat alone?” Dominic suggests, bobbing up and down with anxious energy. “She’s immortal now, right?”
Everyone turns to look at Cat, who looks like she’s just been told to go on stage without knowing her lines.
“She might be immortal, but she could still get lost. The tunnels of the catacombs are like a maze—and for good reason. They’re magickally protected to keep out those not graced by death’s gifts,” I say, floating my gaze around the group. “If anyone goes in who’s not worthy—they can be lost forever, or find themselves in some form of Purgatory.”
The tension that descends is thick, and everyone has the same air of restlessness. We know we have to make a move, but we don’t want to make another mistake. Not even Dominic. Nearly losing Wade was bad enough.
“But wasn’t Cat in the catacombs last semester?” Wade asks. “Maybe Dominic is onto something here.”
“Not exactly. Remember, that was her Fetch. It was just a piece of her that had splintered in her resurrection,” I say, flicking my gaze over to her. “Technically, she didn’t even have physical form. So...”
“But now that the Fetch is a part of Cat, wouldn’t that mean she could still enter?” Colton asks, his jaw hardening. He leans back, pressing the side of his head to the wooden pillar keeping up the porch roof.
My forehead creases. “Both have obviously been touched by death. Cat, because she literally died, and Wade because…” I flick my gaze to him, and he stares back at me with wide eyes. “Well, you know.”
“Huh?” Blake says, quirking an eyebrow.
But the rest of them all nod their heads knowingly.
Cat’s face scrunches and she walks over to me. Then she reaches out, taking my hands in hers. “I never did get to say sorry for everything that happened. I didn’t know I was…broken. I never would have done any of those things she—”
“I know,” I say, squeezing her hands. “None of that matters right now. What matters is you’re here and helping me to set some things right with my dad. So, thank you.”
“Always,” Cat says, bending forward and wrapping her arms around my neck.
I close my eyes, wrapping my arms around her waist and leaning into her embrace. This semester has been so hard, and I didn’t realize just how much I missed her bright, bubbly presence.
“Do you think Abigail is okay? I mean, with the Lemure in charge of things over there, does that mean he’s overrun her?” Wade asks as he paces in front of the porch. “And if she’s okay… Do you think she could help us? Maybe distract him for us?”
My eyebrows rise, and I step away from Cat. “Honestly, I don’t know. She was the one thing holding him back. But I haven’t seen her since last night. It’s safe to assume he’s done something to her.”
“How was she able to contain him before?” Diana asks, leaning against the railing of the porch. “From what I understand, a Lemure’s energy is a lot to bear. Especially once they get going.”
“It is,” I say, thinking back to the recent experiences. “I’m not sure what she did, but I think they’re on a more level playing field.”
“What do you mean?” Wade asks.
“It’s like they’re on the same energetic plane or something. It’s easier to interact with each other than it is with us. Anytime they have to manifest or expend a lot of energy in the physical realm, it tires them out. But whenever I’ve astral-projected into the catacombs, Abigail has always seemed more vibrant, more real to me. I don’t know. Maybe this just sounds stupid.”
“No, I think there’s something here we can use,” Diana says, her blue eyes going distant.
“If you were to astral-project, would you be able to reach out to Abigail? Connect with her somehow to coordinate a plan?” Cat asks, walking over to the steps and taking a seat.
I walk a few feet away, thinking. “I could try. But even on the best of days, she doesn’t always come to me when I summon her. I wish there was just a way I could get through to my dad. Help him realize—” I press my fingertips to my lips as if they just spoke the secret we’ve been searching for.
Turning around, I catch Diana’s eye. Slowly, she smirks at me.
“I could astral-project into the house and summon the Lemure,” I say. “He’s been trying to maintain his hold on reality to protect me. He might be deteriorating now, but his energy is tied to me. When he realizes I’m there, he’ll want to connect. Then we could send Wade and Cat into the catacombs while he’s distracted.”
Speaking the words out loud sounds even crazier than they sounded in my head.
“I don’t know about this, Autumn. How do you know it will work?” Wade asks, clearly not convinced. “I mean, you’ve never astral-projected from this far away—let alone do something like this.”
“What other choice do we have?” I ask. “It may not be the best of plans, but at least it gives us a chance. We can’t just sit around here and wait.”
“From what you’ve said, even for a ghost, Abigail is powerful,” Dominic says, “But if you’re right and the Lemure has overpowered her—what makes you think you stand a chance?”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence, Dom,” I spit back.
“It’s not that. It’s just—” he stands up, scratching at his forehead. “Look, I don’t want you to get hurt. The astral realm isn’t one to take lightly. I’ve tried to master it and it can be…” He glances down at the ground. “It has its own set of challenges.”
Wade takes a step forward, his voice deep with worry. “Like what?”
“Like, she could get trapped,” Dominic says, making a face. “If the Lemure gets ahold of her and doesn’t let her go—” He shudders away the remainder of the thought.
“What happens then?” Wade presses.
“To us, she becomes a vegetable. But to her consciousness—she’s in whatever hell the Lemure can conjure for her,” Dominic says grimly.
“Then I make sure that doesn’t happen,” I say, straightening my shoulders. “My dad needs me. We don’t have any other choice. So here’s how this is going to go down…” I pause, waiting for everyone’s total attention. “The remains will be at the catacombs soon. Colton will let everyone know when they’re in place. Cat and Wade, I need you to get
them to the central chamber. You’re the only ones who can do this besides me. I’ll astral-project to draw my dad’s attention until I know the remains are safely inside. From what I understand, having the remains in the catacombs should weaken the Lemure enough for me to join you. Then, you wait for me. Everyone else—I want you to stay here. And stay safe.”
“How will we know if your distraction is successful?” Wade asks, his jaw set. “I won’t leave you to fend for yourself if it’s not even working.”
He’s clearly not happy about my plan.
I lift my gaze, sweeping it from Dominic to Diana. “We have two powerful psychics here. I’m pretty sure they’ll be able to work it out.”
Wade’s mouth snaps shut. He knows I’m right. Diana was even able to get Cat and Colton back here in the nick of time. She knew they’d be needed before I even did.
Turning to Colton, I ask, “How long do we have?”
Colton closes his eyes and drops his head in concentration. “Minutes maybe. He’s almost there.”
I nod, brushing off my jeans. “Good. Then, it’s time.” I step away, looking for a comfortable place to sit. My eyes lock on a set of Adirondack chairs facing the water and take a couple steps toward them.
Wade grabs hold of my wrist, pulling me up short. “Are you really sure about this?”
I look into his scared eyes and exhale. “I’m not sure of anything. But I know I have to make this work. For my dad…and for you. It’s our safest bet. I refuse to send you into this unprotected. If astral-projecting might give you a chance, I have to try. Plus, it’s a helluva lot safer than if I were to go in this form,” I say, sweeping my hands down my sides.
“Not the way Dominic tells it. Besides, I’m not worried about me,” Wade says, pressing his lips tightly.
“You should be. This is your one life and I won’t let it end early because you chose to be with me. I won’t let your dad be right,” I say, bending in and brushing my lips to his.
“You seem to forget this is your one life, too. I swear, you have some sort of death wish, woman,” he says, swallowing hard.
I pause, taking a moment to think about his words. “Maybe you’re right. Death does seem to follow me around.” Slowly, I look up into his worried eyes and smirk.
“This isn’t funny,” he mumbles.
“I know,” I whisper, holding my chin up.
He places his hands on either side of my face, drawing me to him. His lips press down, making my skin buzz and my pulse quicken. As he pulls back, he whispers, “You better be damn careful.”
“I will. Now, go. I need to concentrate. Get Cat and be ready to leave as soon as Colton gives you the signal. I promise, I’ll join you as soon as I can,” I say, pressing my forehead to his.
He nods, placing one last kiss on my lips before turning away from me.
"All right, ladies and gentlemen, showtime," Dominic says, rubbing his hands together.
I sweep my eyes over the group one final time. Everyone is here for me—for my family.
I hope I don’t let them down.
Hopefully, it goes the way we want, but if it doesn't, it won't be for lack of trying.
I continue to the Adirondack chairs in the middle of the yard and take a seat, resting back. The view is of the pond, but it’s more obscured than my view. There are a lot more trees and plants growing wild between here and the shore. In the distance, though, I can still make out my house.
Taking a deep breath, I lower my shoulders, trying to get into a more relaxed state.
I've only ever done this while inside the resurrection chamber, and never in search of something that could tear me apart.
God, I hope I can reach the part of my dad that's still human.
I hear footsteps come up behind me, crunching in the grass.
Diana kneels down beside my chair and pats my arm. "This is a brave thing you're doing."
"Thanks," I mutter. "I don't feel all that brave."
She locks her piercing blue eyes with mine, holding them until I squirm in the seat. Then, her eyebrows knit together, and she says, “Bravery often masks itself as uncertainty. At least in the beginning. It isn’t always easy to do the right thing. Especially when it means advancing through the unknown.” Standing back up, she pats my shoulder as she walks away. “Good luck, Autumn. I’ll be watching from this side and keeping a close eye on you.”
I stare out into the pond, not really looking at it, as I listen to the sound of her footsteps make their way back to the group.
Colton’s words, though distant, come to me loud and clear. “He’s at the catacombs.”
Exhaling slowly, I lean my head back and close my eyes.
It’s time.
Chapter 29
Splintering
I inhale slowly, listening to the sounds of my friends chattering behind me as some of them gear up to leave. Their words blend together, then fade out as I focus on the sounds of the pond creatures. Frogs sing at the edge of the water and various birds call out to each other somewhere in the distance. I let their songs settle my nerves and calm my brain until I lift up and out of it all.
My consciousness spreads out, blanketing the space around my body until I completely separate from it. Unlike my other astral attempts back at the house, there’s no distinct direction to follow, no pathway to take that will guide me. Instead, I float upward like a balloon no longer tethered by its string.
At first, it’s disconcerting, but I can’t help but be in awe of the beauty in colors from high in the sky. The view is breathtaking, actually. Not only can I see the pond and my house, but the entire town and the roads leading to and from it like the veins bringing lifeblood to the city.
I’m absolutely dazzled by the synergy of it all. Then, something catches my attention—people walking through the spaces between autumn-painted trees. The movement is curious from this vantage point as they dart in and out of the trees. I watch them for a moment, mesmerized. Something about them is familiar… Before I consciously make the decision to move toward them, I float closer. As I do so, I realize I know all of them. In those seconds, I snap back into the awareness of my mission and why I can fly.
Turning my gaze from my friends, I face Blackwood Manor. The rooftop of my home glimmers in the setting sun and a trail of gold cascades across the pond from the sun behind me.
I need to protect them.
They’ve begun to move before I’ve even done my part. What are they thinking?
All I do is think about being inside the manor, and my consciousness condenses in on itself as if being pushed through a funnel and spat back out. I find myself in the manor, standing in the entryway, and facing the grand staircase.
The house rings of emptiness, but somewhere hidden in the shadows, a combination of malevolence and terror lingers in hibernation. With every fiber of my astral being, I know my father is here, waiting.
Forgetting I lack form, I walk around the small entry table and eye the shadows as they undulate with anticipation. As I move deeper into the entry, his energy pools together, like a terminator who’s been melted down and is starting to reform.
My father isn’t the only one I sense, though. Abigail is also here, but her energy is scattered. It’s as though the frequency of her spirit has been put slightly out of phase, or she’s tuned into the wrong spirit channel.
I don’t know how close the others are to the catacombs, but I do know I need to act quickly.
“Dad?” I call out.
My voice echoes in the large space and I pause, looking around at the walls and wondering if my voice can be heard in the real world, too? Or if it’s all happening on the astral plane.
“Autumn?” a voice calls from the staircase. My dad suddenly appears in mid-stride, as if he was walking down the stairs the whole time. “What are you doing here? It’s not safe,” he says.
“I came to talk to you,” I say, taking a few steps toward him before I stop.
There’s nothing about him that
would suggest he’s the entity causing so much pain and damage. Yet, there’s an undercurrent of anger, ready to burst out and it makes me step back.
“You shouldn’t be here,” Dad says, confusion and concern clouding his features. “Things aren’t safe here.”
“I know,” I say, nodding. “That’s why I came here to talk to you. I needed to know you were okay.”
Dad chuckles softly. It’s a strange, feral sound and nothing like the heartfelt laughter I remember.
My pulse begins to race and I take another step back. He edges forward, following me like a predator stalking its prey.
“As you can see, I’m fine,” Dad says, holding his hands out wide. “But I’m sure that’s not all you needed, now was it?” His face contorts into a grimace and he stretches his neck, clicking it back and forth like his features are a glove he’s just tried on.
“Well, I—”
I no sooner start to speak than Dad’s specter is within inches of my face. His blue eyes lock with my own and there’s a panic unlike anything I’ve ever seen hidden within them. The Lemure is winning the fight inside him and he’s utterly terrified.
A visceral snarl erupts from his mouth and I squelch a scream. Flaring my nostrils and standing my ground, I say, “Don’t do this, Dad. This isn’t you.”
“How would you know what is me? You’ve barely said two words to me for a decade,” he spits back. The venom in his words hit their mark, making my heart hurt and my soul ache.
He’s not wrong, and I know somewhere, even within the truest parts of him, this is a thought that’s plagued him. Even when he was trying to protect me.
“I know. I’m so sorry. I should have been better at reaching out,” I sputter, shaking away the despair welling up inside me. “But I love you. You have to know that.”
He scoffs, circling around me. “You know nothing of love. You think you do, but you don’t.”
If I were in my body, tears would be welling in my eyes at such a frontal attack. I came here to distract him, to keep him occupied so the others could deliver his remains—but I never anticipated a psychological attack.
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